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Short-term Disability Evaluations

At Evolve Psychiatry, we recognize the significant impact that mental health conditions can have on your ability to work and function. We offer compassionate care and expert guidance to help you access the financial support you need during this challenging time. Our experts can assess your condition and provide necessary documentation, and guide you through the short-term disability application process. Our goal is to empower you to be successful at getting the help that you need.

What is short-term disability?

Short-term disability (STD) refers to a type of insurance coverage that provides income replacement to  individuals who are temporarily unable to work due to a non-work-related illness, injury, or medical condition. It helps bridge the gap between regular income and financial stability during a temporary period of disability.

Who is eligible to receive short-term disability benefits?

Eligibility for short-term disability benefits varies by employer and insurance policy. Generally, employees must meet specific criteria related to their employment tenure, hours worked, and the duration of their disability. It's important to understand the specific terms and coverage details of your policy to ensure you have the necessary support during periods of disability. It’s best to consult with your company’s Human Resources department for more information.

What can I do if I don’t have short-term disability benefits from my job?

​Short-term disability insurance may be provided by employers as part of their benefits package or purchased individually. Some states also offer temporary disability insurance programs that provide similar benefits through a state-run system.

Can I use short-term disability intermittently for mental health reasons?

Yes, short-term disability benefits can be used intermittently for mental health conditions, depending on the severity and nature of the condition as well as the terms of your specific insurance employer leave policy. Intermittent leave for mental health conditions may involve taking time off work on certain days or for specific periods when symptoms are particularly challenging or when medical appointments are scheduled.

Can I use short-term disability to take care of a loved one?

Short-term disability provides income replacement for employees who are unable to work due to their own medical condition. For challenges with taking care of a loved one, consider an FMLA application.

Can I request completion of a short-term disability application after I have already taken time off?

Yes, you can apply for short-term disability after taking time off, even if you have not seen your doctor initially. However, it's important to note that most short-term disability policies require medical documentation to support your claim. You must see us promptly, within 7 days after taking time off to ensure you have the necessary documentation and medical support for your application.

What type of expertise does Evolve Psychiatry offer to assist with my short-term disability application?

Navigating the short-term disability process can be complex, especially when dealing with mental health conditions. Our experienced team specializes in evaluating and documenting mental health conditions for short-term disability applications.  From providing comprehensive evaluations and documentation to guiding you through the application process, we are committed to ensuring that patients’ rights and needs are effectively communicated to insurance providers. We support patients every step of the way to ensure their application accurately reflects their needs and conditions.

Will Evolve Psychiatry automatically send all my medical records to my employer?

Evolve Psychiatry can only provide necessary medical information to employers if a patient has signed consent forms allowing us to release that information.

What will Evolve Psychiatry provide to support my application?

  • A completed medical certification form detailing your mental health condition and how it impacts your ability to work

  • Diagnosis and severity of the mental health condition

  • Description of symptoms and their duration

  • Information about the treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare provider, including medications, therapies, or other interventions

  • Recommended duration of treatment and any modifications to work activities

  • Expected duration of the leave, including intermittent or reduced schedule, if applicable

  • Relevant medical records supporting your diagnosis and treatment history, which may include psychiatric evaluations, therapy notes, medication history, and hospitalization records, if specifically requested

How long after becoming a patient can I apply for short-term disability?

Our practice adheres to professional standards and guidelines that recommend a period of established care before providing documentation for legal or employment purposes like short-term disability. This ensures that our assessments are thorough, reliable, and ethically sound. We require at least 3 to 5 visits before a patient is eligible to request support for a disability application.

How many weeks can I get approved for short-term disability benefit?

Short-term disability is limited for up to to up to 8 weeks per application. After 8 weeks, patients may request an 8-week extension up to two times for a maximum of 6 months.  Patients must be seen every two weeks while they are on short-term disability to monitor their progress and so that we may provide sufficient documentation to their employer or insurance company, if requested.

Do I have to pay for an extension every 8 weeks?

No, each leave may be extended up to two additional times without any additional fees. After the second extension (6 months total), patients must pay a new form fee, even if it is the same form as the original.

How long does it take to complete a short-term disability application with your practice?

The time to complete a short-term disability application varies based on individual circumstances and the completeness of documentation provided. Most documents are prepared in 5 to 14 days. Patients have the option to request expedited processing in which case their request will be prioritized and completed in 48 hours.

Is there a fee for short-term disability documentation from your practice?

Pricing varies depending on the complexity of the case which is determined at the patient's consultation.  The general range of fees for straightforward short-term disability applications are between $150-$200.  For more complex forms, the fees range from $300-$500. Insurance does not cover short-term disability applications so fees are out-of-pocket and paid for privately by the patient.

Do any additional forms also require another payment?

Patients do not need to pay again for any forms associated with their application or any extensions for up to 6 months.  However, any additional forms that are unrelated to the application or any forms after the 6 months are completed will incur separate fees.

Can I set up a payment plan?

We do not offer payment plans for private pay services.  All fees must be paid up front and in full prior to our office completing a patient’s application.

​How long after becoming a patient can I apply for a short-term disability condition?

Our practice adheres to professional standards and guidelines that recommend a period of established care before providing documentation for legal or employment purposes like short-term disability applications. This ensures that our assessments are thorough, reliable, and ethically sound. We require at minimum 3 to 5 visits before a patient is eligible to request support for a short-term disability application.

What if I have a previous short-term disability application that has been denied?

If your short-term disability application has been denied, our practice can assist you with an appeal. We will review the denial reason, gather additional supporting documentation if necessary, and help you navigate the appeal process to seek approval for your FMLA leave.

What supporting documentation do I need?

Patients should contact their Human Resources department and request instructions on a short-term disability application to determine what documentation they need to submit with their formal request to help our team complete their forms as thoroughly as possible.

How can I get started?

If you are going to be a new patient, you must complete our PAQ. If you are an established patient, obtain the necessary documentation requirements for your short-term disability application from your employer or insurance company, discuss with your provider at your next visit, and then complete a form request.

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